In his first encyclical, Pope Leo XIV says AI must serve humanity, not the powerful few

Pope Leo XIV issued his first encyclical, *Magnifica Humanitas*, on May 25, framing artificial intelligence as a modern industrial revolution with dangerous risks to democracy, equality, and human dignity. The 83-page document argues that AI must be 'disarmed'—freed from military, economic, and cognitive competition—while emphasizing that regulation alone is insufficient. Leo warns that unchecked AI amplifies power for wealthy elites, shapes information, and undermines social justice by leaving marginalized groups behind. The pope references his predecessor’s 1891 encyclical, *Rerum Novarum*, to address AI’s transformative impact, stressing the need for faith, reason, and ethical oversight. He highlights concerns that AI could erode human connection, as people might rely on chatbots instead of real interactions or delegate decisions to machines. The document calls for inclusive participation in AI’s development, regulation, and benefits, urging scientists, governments, and communities to collaborate. At the Vatican’s Synod Hall, Leo presented the encyclical alongside Catholic theologians and Chris Olah, co-founder of Anthropic, which developed the AI model Claude. Olah acknowledged conflicts between commercial incentives and ethical AI development, urging broader global engagement to steer technology toward positive outcomes. The pope’s message centers on human dignity, asserting that it exists independently of wealth, abilities, or choices, and must not be subordinated to AI’s control. The encyclical critiques Big Tech’s concentration of power, warning that a few influential groups can manipulate information, democracy, and economies to their advantage. Leo emphasizes that 'disarming' AI means making it accessible and welcoming, not abandoning technology entirely. He concludes by stressing the need for collective action to build a future where AI serves humanity, not the powerful few.